US to prevent China from winning bids to later rebuild Ukraine
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Risch brushed off concerns that forcing Russia to pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine could lead to an eventual escalation.
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A resident looks for belongings in an apartment building destroyed during the fight between Russian and Ukrainian forces in Borodyanka, on April 5, 2022. (AP)
US Senator Jim Risch on Friday said that the US will not allow China to win bids to rebuild Ukraine once the conflict comes to an end.
"It’s going to take a lot of money to rebuild Ukraine," Risch said during an Aspen Security Forum panel. "The Chinese are licking their chops because they think that the cash that’s there, they’re going to get their hands on it because they can outbid anybody, but we’re not going to let that happen."
Instead, Russia should pay for the price of rebuilding Ukraine, he said, noting that Russia would not even be able to cover all expenses.
Risch brushed off concerns that forcing Russia to pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine could lead to an eventual escalation.
He instead argued that individuals involved in Russia's special military operation should face legal prosecution.
He said he is "tired" of hearing speculations that an escalation could culminate between the US and Russia, noting that failing to escalate could lead to a Ukrainian defeat.
Read more: West clearly disappointed with Kiev counteroffensive results: Putin
Last Wednesday, China and Russia launched joint military exercises dubbed the Northern Interaction 2023.
In a statement on Friday, China’s Defense Ministry said that the drills reflect important understandings between the leaders of both countries.
"These drills have made it possible to implement in practice an important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries," the Ministry said in a statement.
It noted that these interactions confirm once again the high level of trust and friendly relations between the Chinese and Russian armies. The statement added that the naval drills conducted in the Sea of Japan allow for the live testing of coordinated maritime operations.
"All the personnel participating in the drills will take their utmost efforts to bolster in practice the potential that will enable them to jointly protect peace and stability in the region and counter all possible challenges."
Last Sunday, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the US maintains its position that it will not send troops to fight against the Russian armed forces in Ukraine.
"Basic US position in this comes down to single clear point, which is: we are going to support Ukraine without having US boots on the ground and American soldiers fighting Russian soldiers and that will remain consistent throughout the course of this conflict," Sullivan told the NBC News broadcaster on Sunday.
He added that it is not in the interest of the US to "end up in World War 3 with Russia."
Read more: Ukraine counteroffensive not going too well, WSJ says
